Million Dollar Mermaid

Million Dollar Mermaid

Year: 1952

Runtime: 115 min

Language: English

Director: Mervyn LeRoy

BiographyDramaSportMusical

In this splashy biopic, Esther Williams shines as Annette Kellerman, a trailblazing Aussie swimmer who conquered gender boundaries and revolutionized synchronized swimming. As she follows her father from Australia to London, Kellerman's passion for dance and athleticism converges with her quest for love and stardom, defying the societal constraints of her time.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen Million Dollar Mermaid yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

Timeline & Setting – Million Dollar Mermaid (1952)
Explore the full timeline and setting of Million Dollar Mermaid (1952). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

The film is set in the early 20th century, a period marked by significant developments in sports and entertainment. This era witnessed the rise of new forms of public performances, including water shows and stage productions, which Annette aims to capitalize on in her pursuit of fame.

Location

Australia, Europe, New York City

The movie begins in Australia, depicting the struggles of Annette Kellerman, a teenager confined to a wheelchair. As she travels to Europe, she embarks on a journey towards self-discovery and liberation through swimming. The climax of her journey takes place in New York City, where she aims to showcase her talents at the famous Hippodrome.

🌏 Australia 🌊 Europe 🏙️ New York City

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 23:18

Main Characters – Million Dollar Mermaid (1952)
Meet the key characters of Million Dollar Mermaid (1952), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Annette Kellerman ([Esther Williams](https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0005481/))

Annette is a determined young woman grappling with the effects of polio but finds her passion in swimming. Her character showcases bravery and talent as she transforms her limitations into strengths, ultimately captivating audiences around the world.

🎨 Ambitious 🌊 Determined 💖 Inspirer

Frederick Kellerman ([Walter Pidgeon](https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0003539/))

Frederick is Annette's supportive father who plays a crucial role in her journey. His encouragement fuels Annette’s ambitions, and his passing later in the story serves as a pivotal moment that deepens her emotional struggles.

👨‍👧 Supportive 💔 Caring 📚 Educator

James Sullivan ([Victor Mature](https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001501/))

Jimmy is a charming entrepreneur who sees Annette's potential and encourages her to showcase her talents. His romantic tensions with Annette highlight the interplay of love and ambition in their relationship.

❤️ Romantic 💼 Entrepreneur 👀 Charming

Doc Cronnol ([Jesse White](https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0926238/))

Doc is Jimmy's quirky associate, providing support and comedic relief throughout their adventures. He plays an important role in motivating Annette during challenging times.

😂 Comedic 💬 Supportive 🤔 Quirky

Manager Alfred Harper ([David Brian](https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0101584/))

Harper is a key figure in Annette's rise to fame, initially reluctant to accept her talents but eventually becoming an admirer. His growing interest in Annette adds complexity to the narrative.

🎭 Manager 💔 Complicated 🎬 Visionary

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 23:18

Major Themes – Million Dollar Mermaid (1952)
Explore the central themes of Million Dollar Mermaid (1952), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🏊‍♀️ Resilience

Resilience is a central theme as Annette overcomes her physical limitations imposed by polio. Through perseverance and passion for swimming, she transforms her challenges into opportunities for growth and achievement. Her journey illustrates the power of determination in the face of adversity.

💔 Love

The complexities of love are explored through Annette's relationships with Jimmy and Manager Harper. Misunderstandings and emotional turmoil shape her connections, revealing how ambition can intertwine with personal relationships. Ultimately, love plays a crucial role in Annette's healing and future aspirations.

🌟 Ambition

Ambition drives Annette to achieve greatness in the performance world as she strives for public recognition. Her desire to double the swimming distance reflects her unwavering commitment to her goals. The pursuit of ambition serves as a motivating factor, showcasing the lengths one will go to fulfill their dreams.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 23:18

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